Connector for wrist watches or ornamentation



Feb. 9, 1954 K. A. RIETH 2,668,343 CONNECTOR FOR WRIST WATCHES ORORNAMENTATION Filed Sept. 15, 1950 @QQ Q M M Patented Feb. 9, 1954 A '3CONNECTOR FOR WRIST WATCHES OR ORNAMENTATI-ON Kurt A. Rieth, Cranston,R. I., assignor to Speidel Corporation, Providence, R. I., a corporationof Rhode Island Application September 15, 1950, Serial No. 185,042

6 Claims.

The principal objects of the present invention are to provide aconnector which may be quickly and conveniently attached to and detachedfrom a wrist watch, to provide a connector which can be made in any of anumber of different shapes so as to harmonize with the wrist watch orornamentation and the bracelet or band to which it is attached; and toprovide a connector which is of simple but durable construction,reliable in operation, and capable of being economically manufactured.

Further objects will be apparent from a consideration of the followingdisclosure and the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of my new bracelet or band with the sectionsin outstretched position;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the bracelet as it appears when being wornor displaced;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical section through one of the articulatesections shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical section through one of theend connectors and associated unit or link;

Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the parts shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a transverse vertical section adjacent to the free end portionof the connector link showing the coupling pin in looking position;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6 but showing the coupling pin inreleased or unlocking position;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged isometric of one of the articulated units orlinks; and

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of a pair of interconnected elementsconstituting the bottom walls of a pair of links.

The embodiment herein shown for the purpose of illustration comprisestwo articulate sections l and 2 each having an end connector 3 forattaching the section to a wrist watch or ornamentation 4, and aterminal link 5 through which extends a retractor strand or chain 6 foryieldingly urging the two sections toward each other so that they willtend to embrace the wrist of the wearer more snugly. Each of thesections l and 2 comprises a series of interconnected links or units In(Figs. 3, 4 and 8) of geometrically similar shape and of progressivelydecreasing size from the end connector '3 to the terminal link 5.

Each of the units It) comprises a generally semi-cylindrical shell ortubular element having adjacent to its opposite end portionsdiametrically disposed apertures II and I? (Fig. 8) The outer ends ofthe units are each formed with an integral extension it having anupwardly extending arcuate lip I5, and the inner ends of the units areeach formed with an inwardly directed arcuate lip 16 defining a mouth.

. for receiving the extension l4 and lip [5 of the adjacent unit whenthe links are assembled so that the apertures l2 of one unit are alignedby the apertures H of the adjacent unit, as shown more clearly in Fig.3.

The bottom walls of the units In comprise dished elements l8 (Figs. 3, 4and 9) which snugly fit between the longitudinal edges of the units andthese units are formed with integral parts rolled to provide a centralsleeve 20 at one end and a pair of spaced sleeves 21 at the other end,the construction and arrangement of parts being such that when theelements I8 are assembled within the shells or units ID, the sleeves 20of each unit is aligned with the apertures l2- and the sleeve 2| isaligned with the apertures l l; and when the units are assembled, thesleeves 20 of one unit fit in the openings between the sleeves 2| of theadjacent unit so that a pintle 22 may be passed through the aperturesand sleeves so as pivotally to interconnect the. units, as shown inFigs. 2 to 5.

The surface contour of the units Ill and the shape of the depending lipsI6 are such that the latter is at all times in contiguous relation tothe former, regardless of the angular position of the units relative toeach other, as indicated in Fig. 2, thus eliminating dirt-collectingopenings, recesses, etc., and presenting a more attractive appearance.The inner end of each terminal link 5 is formed similar to the inner endof each unit It], being provided with an integral extension I4 having anoutstanding lip l-5 (Fig. 3), but its outer end converges somewhat toforma small opening through which the retractor. chain 6 passes.Similarly the bottom wall of each terminal link 5 is formed at its innerend with spaced sleeves to interfit with sleeve 20 of the adjacent unit[0, but the outer end of the bottom wall is rolled, as indicated at 23in Fig. 3, to provide a smooth continuous surface. In order to insure asmooth operation of the chain or strand 6 in moving back and forthwithin the sections, I provide a chain slide 24 which consists of atapered strip of stainless steel or other suitable material (Figs. 3, 4and 6) extending from the innermost sleeve 2| to the rolled edge 23, theinner end being formed with a sleeve.

thus anchoring the Each of the connector links comprises a shell orhousing 30 having a surface configuration simulating that of twointerconnected units, thus preserving the characterizing motif of thesection. Each connector link has a bifurcated or spaced inner end 31 toreceive the coupling loop or a ist-wat her mn ncc an an outer endconforming generally -w-ith-that of a unit 10, being formed with adepending lip 15 embracing the curved surface of the inner unit If), asshown more clearly in l fig l. -T, Q tom wall 32, of each connectorsnugly fits-fietween the longitudinal edges of the shell 38 and is heldin position by inwardlybent tabs 35: (fig. integral with the shell3li.--Theouter end of the bottom wall terminates in contiguous relation tothe sleeves 2| aud ts andtheopposite end of the bottom wall is formedwith an extension 33 (Figs. 3 to 5) which curves inwardly to merge withthe bifurcated end 3! of the sleeve.

=:llil'ith the construction ..-and arrangementof parts above describedthe; connector =3, terminal link '5 and. intervening units. iii. .ofeachsection maybe swung from a stretched out" position, as shown in Fig.1,.to a -:curled up. positiornsuch as illustrated inFig- 2, theswinging-movement of each unit relative to the adjacent unit, beinglimited by the engagement of the. outwardly-extending lip with thedepending lip Hi which notonly' prcvides-a stop; but. also a. closureelement' contiguous to and -giving the appearance of: merging with thesurface of the adjacent unit regardless of their angular position.

The walls of the bifurcated end portion 34 are. termed: with alignedapertures at (Figs. 6? and- 'Z) to receive -a coupling pin 42', apertureAim. (Fig. 6 on one ofthe. outer walls beingsmaller than the otheraperture so as to prevent the. coupling 42 from being pushedtherethrough. The end. portion of the coupling pin 2 adjacentto-thesmall'er aperturesdo is formed with. a circumrerential -gmovedefining a locking: shoul-- den M and -aconical-likesurface or camelement'- 45;-as shcwnin F igs. .6 and: 7: The very: tip of thepin -atthe end adjacent to the shouldered portion is formed with acircular-recess ll-a (Fig; 4) t receivethe pointed endof a pin or thelike, by -means ofwhichthe coupling pih--t2--may be slid axiallytounlocking position: (Fig; '7)

:Secured to the bottom wall extension -33 bya rivet 46 is: latch spring48', one end of" --whicl'-ifoianed=by-a --carn-likenose- (Figs 67 andits outer end (tim hooked leaking finger 49.. I

design of the parts issuchthatwhen-the coupling pin-is in operativeor-;locking -pesition (Fig. '6), theoam-likenose 41 or the latch spring48 en gages; the shoulder l land camsurface 55 and the finger si attheoppcsite-errdofthe spring 4 8 is; flexed: outwardly by the plain: end otthe coupling pin fl. =Hence,-the coupling pin '42 may be-slid fro moperative or loc k-ing position- (Fig-.-6),--wherein it passesthrough-thensual opening-in-the; coupling-member era-wrist watch orornamentation; to the left by inserting a" pin or-the like pointedinstrumentthrough the ap er-- turesyflla-into recess-47a, thereby forcing the groovedend-tcdisengage the cam nose d'l; $ucl'z' axialmovement is limited by the engagementi'of the-locking ling-en Q9 with'the shoulderd ii as shown in-Fig. 7; which prevents complete-re movalof the pi-n 42. When in released or 'un locking? position (Figzv'ly thecoupl-ing member of: the wrist. watch. orornamentation may bemoveditmandfrom .a position'hetweenitheebifun- 1 cated ends of the connector link,andiconplingatliee 75 4 parts is merely a matter of moving the pin 42 tothe right (Fig. 7) until the grooved end engages the marginal portionsabout the aperture illa, in which position the cam nose 42 snaps intolocking position.

Although the connector 3, terminal linl; 4 and intervening units in maybe pivotally connected so that friction or other means holds them in oneposition or another, the retractor strand 6 is preferably employedyieldingly to urge the terrninal together. The retractor strand 6 may;,of any suitable flexible material such as a cord, chain orthe like,one or both ends of whii areconnected to a retractor mechanism 50'(Figsr3 audit) operative to draw the strand or chain 6 inwardly, thusswinging the links or units {0 to curled positionso that they embracethe wrist of the wearer with comfortable snugness.

The retractor 50 comprises a housing consisting of the interfittingplates 5!, 52 and 53 (Fig. 1) which provide the outer and intermediatewalls defining two chambers, the outer walls 5i and 53 being formed withintegral lateraltabs-by means of which the parts are held in position.The three plates are formed with aligned open i-rrgs to receive asuitable shaft 58 and secured to one part of the shaft 58 is one end ofthe re tractor 6' (Fig. 3), the other end of which be similarly securedto-a retractor 5|)- or other wise anchored irrthe cthers'ect'i onof thebrace: let. The inner end of a spiral watch spring issanchoredto-anotherpart of the s l'iaft"6 ii and the other end of the spring is secured tooneof' thelateral flanges cr-tabs of the plate 5 I ,-.the' arrangementbeing such that the chain 8 is wound up-about the shaft by the action ofthe spring The entire assemblage 50' has a tight fit within theshellkfiil; as shown in Figs'iigand, with retractor chain- 6- passingthrough the units of one sectiontoand through those of the othersection. i

It will benotedthat with the construction and arrangement of partsherein shown-andides crih'ed a bracelet or band having end connectors"31 may be readily attached to and detached fro m a wrist watch orthelike ornamentation danger-cffthe couplingfpin-becomi dislodged;-Mereover, the constructions-h a e n j of parts ar S s i toreltmi tornamental shell tobe made in various shapes so esto harmonize with thedesign of the wh li li and band? While I have shown and described ojne.de's i undrstood th'at'thi-s disclosure is, for the pose of illustrationand thatvarious' changesand modifications may' be' a without same fromthe spiiit and scgpe'gfithe'invcntion asset: forth} inthe appendedclaims.

I claim:

l. .f-lconnector for wrist watcher Qllljtlllfillfhfi} than having accupling-lcop, which con pr member having at one end spaced; hollowliaving-outeryand inner walls and betweeii'w parts said coupling" loopis received, said having aligned' apertiir'esi'in their outer and walls,areleasablecoupling; pin g axially si s withjrisaid apertures andextending oneof said parts to the other. se as to p N through aninterposed couplihgd ooppoi'ie" erld portion-of said c'oupling pinhaving a circumferential grooveshaped to provide" a dream-res entialshoulder'; a resilient-latch member orie ofgsaidipartsi-having acam-like part' engageakile with saidi shoulder: so as yieldingly'" tooppose" axial movement of said pin when in looking position, saidcam-like part being movable out of engagement with said shoulder bypressure applied axially to said pin, and a locking finger in the otherof said parts engageable with said shoulder for limiting the axialmovement of said pin.

2. A connector for a wrist watch or ornamentation having a couplingloop, which com-- prises a member having at one end spaced hollow partshaving outer and inner walls and between which parts said coupling loopis received, said parts having aligned apertures in their outer andinner walls, a releasable coupling pin axially slidable within saidapertures and extending from one of said parts to the other so as topass through an interposed coupling loop, one end portion of saidcoupling pin having a circumferential groove shaped to provide acircumferential shoulder, a resilient latch member in one of said partshaving a cam-like part engageable with said shoulder so as yieldingly tooppose axial movement of said pin when in looking position,said'cam-like part being movable out of engagement with said shoulder bypressure applied axially to said pin, means carried by one of said partsand engageable with said pin for opposing axial movement in onedirection, and a locking finger in the other of said parts andengageable with said shoulder when said pin is V slid to unlockingposition so as to prevent complete removal of said pin.

3. A connector for a wrist watch or ornamentation having a couplingloop, which comprises a member having at one end spaced interconnectedhollow parts having outer and inner walls and between which parts saidcoupling loop is received, said parts having aligned apertures in theirouter and inner walls, a releasable ecupling pin axially slidable withinsaid apertures and extending from one of said parts to the other so asto pass through an interposed coupling loop, one end portion of saidcoupling pin having a circumferential groove, and a spring memberextending within the interconnecting part with one end projecting intoone of said parts so as to engage said circumferential groove andyieldingly oppose axial movement of said coupling pin when in lookingposition, said pin thereby being slidable into and out of lockingposition by pressure applied axially thereto and the other end of saidspring member projecting into the other of said parts so as to engagesaid circumferential groove when said pin is slid to unlocking positionand prevent complete removal of said pin.

4. A connector for a wrist watch or ornamentation having a couplingloop, which comprises a member having at one end spaced hollow partshaving outer and inner walls and between which parts said coupling loopis received, said parts having aligned apertures in their outer andinner walls, the aperture in one of said outer walls being smaller thanthe other a releasable coupling pin having adjacent to one end arecessed portion, said pin being axially slidable within said aperturesfrom a locking position wherein said pin extends from one of said partsto the other and passes through an interposed coupling loop with the endadjacent to said recessed portion abutting the marginal portionsurrounding the smaller aperture, to unlocking position, wherein saidrecessed portion is within the other of said parts, and a latch memberWithin the first mentioned part, said latch member having a cam-likepart engageable with said recessed portion so as yieldingly to opposeaxial movement of said pin from looking to unlocking position.

5. A connector for a wrist watch or ornamentation having a couplingloop, which comprises a member having at one end spaced hollow partshaving outer and inner walls and between which parts said coupling loopis received, said parts having aligned apertures in their outer andinner walls, a releasable coupling pin axially slidable within saidapertures and extending from one of said parts to the other so as topass through an interposed coupling loop, one end portion of saidcoup-ling pin having a recess shaped to provide a shoulder, a resilientlatch member in one of said parts having a cam-like part engageable withsaid shoulder so as yieldingly to oppose axial movement of said pin whenin looking position, the aperture in the outer wall of said one of saidparts being smaller than the end of said pin thereby to prevent axialmovement thereof in one direction, and a locking finger in the other ofsaid parts engageable with said shoulder when said pin is in unlockingposition to limit axial movement in the other direction.

6. A connector for a wrist watch or ornamentation having a couplingloop, which comprises a member having at one end spaced interconnectedhollow parts having outer and inner walls and between which parts saidcoupling loop is received, said parts having aligned apertures in theirouter and inner walls, the aperture in one of said outer Walls beingsmaller than the others, a releasable coupling pin having adjacent toone end a circumferential groove defining a shoulder, said pin beingaxially slidable within said apertures from a locking position, whereinsaid pin extends from one of said parts to the other and passes throughan interposed coupling loop with the end adjacent to said shoulder inabutting relation to the marginal portion surrounding the smalleraperture, to an unlocking position, wherein said shoulder is within theother of said parts, and a resilient member having its body portionsecured between said parts with one end extending into one of said partsto engage said shoulder and yieldingly oppose axial movement of said pinwhen in locking position, and the other end of said resilient memberextending into the other of said parts to engage said shoulder when saidpin is in unlocking position and prevent removal of said pin.

KURT A. RIETH.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 38,032 Clute Mar. 31, 1863 187,856 Hopkins Feb. 27, 18771,340,206 Ballou May 18, 1920 1,700,992 Augenstein Feb. 5, 19292,536,007 Milner Dec. 26,1950

FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 716,946 France Dec. 30, 1931

